Source: Peyton, Irsay aren’t “negotiating”

Posted by Mike Florio on February 17, 2012, 9:34 AM EDT

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When speaking to the media on Thursday night, Colts owner Jim Irsay at no point expressly said that he and quarterback Peyton Manning are “negotiating” a revised contract. But the people who heard what Irsay said, both at WISH-TV and WRTV-TV have characterized Irsay as claiming that negotiations have occurred, and we’ll defer to the folks who were there when Irsay said what he said. (Besides, Irsay has not yet taken to Twitter to claim that he and Peyton haven’t engaged in any “negotiations.”)

It’s not unreasonable to assume that Irsay was claiming that negotiations occurred, given that Irsay has spoken openly just three days ago about paying Peyton something less than $28 million on March 28. Given the context, Irsay definitely sounded like he was referring to negotiations when he said this: “Peyton and I have talked and said that we’d like to just come to something that makes sense for both of us.”

Regardless, a source with knowledge of the situation tells PFT that, to the extent Irsay contends that negotiations have occurred regarding the money that Peyton would be paid on a reduced contract, no such negotiations have occurred. “Numbers aren’t being discussed,” the source said.

We’re also told that there’s a feeling in the Manning camp that Irsay, who three weeks ago chastised Peyton for not keeping his concerns regarding the atmosphere at the team facility “in house,” has been talking “way too much.” The perception there, and elsewhere, is that Irsay is trying too hard to avoid blame for Peyton’s potential departure.

And so from Tuesday’s comments by Irsay and Wednesday’s report from unnamed sources regarding Peyton’s health and Thursday’s comments by Irsay, it’s hard to claim with a straight face that all is well between Irsay and Peyton — even though Irsay somehow has been able to make that claim with a straight face.

They are negotiating. Just not his contract. They’re negotiating how they are going to go through with the divorce without hurting the reputation/legacy of either party, or at least minimizing the damage of to each party.

“We’re also told that there’s a feeling in the Manning camp that Irsay, who three weeks ago chastised Peyton for not keeping his concerns regarding the atmosphere at the team facility “in house,” has been talking “way too much.””

Irsay is on the precipice of making THE biggest decision in franchise history. One that has the potential to alienate a large portion of the fan base. Personally, I’ve interpreteted the majority of Irsays statement as an attempt to communicate with the fans that he wants to do what is best for all parties; the Colts, Peyton, and the fans. Certainly, it has been different fromt he tightly controlled atmosphere that Bill Polian created, but with a few exceptions, Irsay hasn’t said anything out of order.

For Packers fans, this situation is all too familiar. ‘Good news’ and within the span of a few hours there was ‘bad news’. ‘Favre is reporting to camp!” followed by “Favre says ‘This isn’t going to work”. That type of reporting happended every week during the Favre saga. My advice to Colts fans is to shut off ESPN, quit coming to this site, and enjoy watching Andrew Luck next year.

I beginning to think Irsay was told by many people that Payton would be able to play last year. “Mr Everything” turned out to be “Mr Nothing” and the team payed dearly for it. Those people who people are no longer with The Colts. Payton is the last man standing and he will be gone soon too. Mr Irsay cannot waste any more $ or time “hoping” Payton returns. He needs to cut his loses and move on.
I would.

Irsay needs to man up and just release him already. We all know that is where this is heading. Instead he is going to draw it out as long as possible so that it looks like he did “everything he could” to keep Peyton in a Colts uniform.

Even if they did make the numbers work, neither side benefits from Peyton staying a Colt. The Colts are better off blowing it up and rebuilding with Luck getting game experience in the process. Peyton is better off going to a contender and playing 2-3 more years chasing another championship.

I sort of understand the fear of public backlash over the imminent departure of Peyton. But, it really is not the huge deal that everyone is making it out to be.

Simply, it’s over. The Colts had a great run with Peyton and it’s time for both sides to move on. With a new G.M. and a new Head Coach, Peyton would have to learn a new offensive system with a rebuilding roster if he were to stay in Indy anyway. There is no reason for the Colts to pay him and no reason for him to want to be a Colt. It’s over.

Anyone who thinks Irsay truly wants Manning and Luck on the same team just isn’t in touch with reality. All Irsay is trying to do is make it appear to the fans he is doing his best to retain Manning. No one should be buying this. Colts are clearly rebuilding and 18 is not part of it. I’m a big Manning fan, but larger Colts fan. Thanks Peyton for everything, but it’s time to move forward without you.

The uncertainty swirling around the Indianapolis Colts apparently isn’t being reflected in renewals by season ticket holders.

“You can only speculate because there’s still a few weeks remaining before the deadline, but we’re tracking similar to last year and the year before,” said Pete Ward, the team’s chief operating officer.

Mr Irsay needs to “growup” and behave like an adult. This is getting so boring, and I am surprised any NFL owner who deals with people everyday would carry on like this.
Please get it over and done with and let’s move on, so we don’t have to listen to Irsay v Peyton everyday.

Dear Peyton and Mr. Irsay,
For the love of God please end this madness! Peyton, you’re a sure first ballot Hall of Famer with a wife and kids. Thanks for all of the memories. Why risk your health? You’ve nothing else to prove. 4 time league MVP, Super Bowl MVP, countless other accolades. Enjoy your life with your wife and kids. Relish the moment that your bust is unveiled at the Hall of Fame and the day that the thousands of fans show up for you when you go into the ring of honor. You will have a brilliant future in anything you decide to do after football. You’re a proven winner.
Mr. Irsay as a season ticket holder who intends to keep my tickets regardless of who is on the field. I ask that you just man up and release the face of the Indianapolis franchise for the last 14 years. We know as fans that it is a difficult decision. We don’t want to see him play for another team either. Waiting until the 8 of March isnt going to make a difference other than season ticket invoices are due in full prior to that date. Don’t worry about the backlash. The stadium that Peyton built will stay full. We fans thank you for bringing the franchise to a state that was better known for basketball and the greatest spectacle in racing. We thank you for the memories of the great teams that we have enjoyed watching over the years. But enough is enough. The franchise is starting to look like a joke. If we’re going to move on let’s move on Full Speed ahead and not look back. But please end this madness!

As much as I would like this circus to be done with, just let due process take its course. Your constant whining about Irsay gets you nowhere. We all know he’s going to get released. March 8th is right around the corner. No way Manning wants to be apart of a team that is rebuilding this late in his career. If you all want what’s best for Manning, you would want him to be apart of a team that has a legitimate chance to go to the Super Bowl.